Somali World Cup Referee Denied Entry to US Despite Valid Visa
6 verified4 unconfirmed
US border officials denied entry to Somali referee Omar Artan, who was selected to officiate at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Artan arrived at Miami International Airport with a valid visa but was turned away by US Customs and Border Protection after an extended immigration inspection. He was among 52 referees chosen for the tournament, which begins this week. The agency cited “vetting concerns” without providing further details. Artan expressed deep disappointment, stating he had the proper paperwork and was trying to live his dream. The incident is part of a broader pattern of visa difficulties reported for players, staff, and fans from several countries, including Iraq and Iran. The Trump administration’s travel ban on Somalia and other nations has been referenced in reporting on these issues.
What’s verified
Omar Artan, a Somali referee selected for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, was denied entry to the United States.
US Customs and Border Protection stated Artan was denied entry due to “vetting concerns.”
Artan arrived at Miami International Airport with a valid visa.
Artan was one of 52 FIFA referees for the tournament.
The Trump administration has a travel ban on Somalia and 38 other countries.
Other visa issues have been reported for players and staff from Iraq and Iran.
Not yet confirmed
The specific nature of the “vetting concerns” cited by US Customs and Border Protection has not been disclosed.
According to a single report, Artan was named Africa’s men’s referee of the year in 2025.
According to a single report, Artan’s immigration interview lasted 11 hours, after which he was placed in a holding cell before being put on a return flight.
According to a single report, the US issued 3,196 visas to Somali travelers between May 2024 and April 2025, as noted by the Council on Foreign Relations.
Key figures
Omar Abdulkadir Artan (Somali World Cup referee), US Customs and Border Protection.
Sources: vox.com, motherjones.com
